Investigators Probe Taco Bell Amid Rising Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce

Health officials are monitoring a steep increase in cyclospora cases—an intestinal parasite causing severe diarrhea—across 31 U.S. states. The uptick has prompted federal and state agencies to examine potential links to popular food establishments.

Federal and state health investigators are scrutinizing Taco Bell locations to determine whether the fast‑food chain may have played a role in the expanding outbreak. Several anonymous sources familiar with the inquiry told The Washington Post that the review is underway.

In recent days, several Detroit-area Taco Bell restaurants posted notices on their premises indicating that they would no longer serve lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, or guacamole due to a “national recall.” The notices were not accompanied by a public recall announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Neither Taco Bell, its parent company Yum! Brands, the FDA, nor the Department of Health and Human Services has responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

A customer holds a Taco Bell taco on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia. (Getty Images)

The FDA has not issued a recall concerning Taco Bell products, and its website contains no public notices linking the chain to the outbreak.

Cyclospora infections have risen sharply nationwide, with Michigan recording more than 2,600 cases—its largest outbreak in history and among the country’s most significant in recent years, according to the Associated Press.

Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services released a statement saying: “While the investigation is ongoing, current data point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has yet been identified.”

The parasitic infection can cause prolonged, forceful watery diarrhea. No deaths have been reported to date.

Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc.—which also owns KFC, Pizza Hut and The Habit Burger & Grill—is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The chain operates more than 8,700 locations worldwide and serves over 40 million customers weekly in the United States.

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